by Anna Scott
What’s your favourite way to get around London? You can soon lose your connection to the city with repetitive tube journeys, and even though the top deck of a bus definitely offers better views than the Piccadilly Line, standing on an overcrowded double-decker isn’t too much fun either. Walking to work might not be an option for most of us, but that’s all the more reason to participate in Walk London’s Spring Into Summer programme. Walk London is a Transport for London initiative that provides a network of walks throughout the capital, but on the 17th and 18th of May, their Spring Into Summer event will offer over 40 free guided walks throughout many corners of the capital, covering scenic rambles, historic bolt-holes and hidden treasures. There are routes to suit most abilities, although whether you choose to take the kids depends on their age and their current opinion of afternoon strolls.
So what’s going on in the local vicinity? If you’ve been to Richmond Park, you’ll know that standing slap bang in the middle of it feels about as far from the city as you can get (apart from the odd plane going overhead), so why not go one step further and take part in “The Finest Walk in London”? Head down to Wimbledon Park tube station to meet your fellow ramblers and take in a glorious section of the Capital Ring, from Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park, ending at Richmond tube station after 7.5 miles and four hours—like going to the countryside without leaving the city. “The Glorious London Loop” is another fantastic, meandering route that takes in corners of west London which might normally be overlooked. Starting in Kingston, this covers Bushy Park, Crane River Park and Hounslow Heath. You can either finish in Fulwell after two and a half hours, or complete the full six hours and end at Hatton Cross.
For those of you who fancy a shorter, more city-centred walk, “The Real West End” explores Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden over two fact-packed hours, starting at Charing Cross and finishing at Leicester Square station, revealing local stories and Soho secrets in between. There are also plenty of shorter walks covering historic Bloomsbury, maritime London in Greenwich and hidden walkways and courtyards of the City. These are about two hours long, so might be more suitable for children or those who have difficulty with long distances.
There’s no booking required, and no limit to the number of routes you can do. Of course, with 43 walks planned over two days, it’s impossible to do everything. Have a look on the Walk London site for more information on times, places and lengths, then take your pick. It’s not every day you get the chance to take part in free guided walks throughout the best city in the world, so use this opportunity to reconnect with the geography and history of our great capital.
About the author:
Anna Scott is a freelance writer, parent, procrastinator and Hammersmith resident. When she’s not attempting to write her first young adult fiction novel, in between reading and reviewing the odd book or two, she can be found chasing after her two little girls. In a previous life she was a politics graduate and wine trade lackey. Head over to Anna Scott Jots to find out more…
